Waterfall Hikes Near San Diego, CA

San Diego sits between coastal bluffs and the Peninsular Ranges, where coastal mesas, chaparral-covered hills and deeply incised canyons slope down into urban valleys and river gorges. Within fifty miles visitors can reach six seasonal falls ranging from short roadside cascades and shaded riparian walks to rugged canyon scrambles and one strenuous ascent; routes traverse oak woodland, sandstone ravines, and chaparral, with flows most reliable after winter storms and occasional coastal views from higher ridgelines.